The South Carolina Highway Patrol, a division of SCDPS, recognized troopers and Telecommunications personnel from around the state recently at the Trooper of the Year ceremony honoring acts of courage and dedicated service for 2013.
Troopers and TCOs from each area of the state were honored as winners representing their area of the state. Troop Five Trooper of the Year is L/Cpl. John W. Ellis II. Troop Five includes Dillon County.
“I am so proud of the way these men and women have represented TEAM DPS,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “Today was a day of celebration when we came together with our families — and as a family — to applaud our heroes. I extend my deep gratitude to each of our winners for a job well done.”
“We have so many personnel performing heroic and lifesaving acts every day that it is difficult to narrow the pool to just a few,” said Highway Patrol Commander Col. Mike Oliver. “Today represents the best of the best and I am so proud of each of these winners. They were recognized – not just for a single act – but a combination of dedicated work ethic, professionalism and acts of courage.”